ABA, along with 14 other industry groups representing most sectors of the domestic economy, filed a joint amici curiae brief July 31st challenging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service (HOS) final rules. Portions of this rule will slow productivity, hurt jobs and have a negative impact on agriculture, manufacturers, retail supply chains and distribution operations, the HOS coalition stated.

ABA has taken a strong stand on the HOS regulations since the rulemaking process began in 2003 due to anticipated widespread negative impact on the baking industry including increasing the cost of transporting and delivering fresh baked goods.

The brief argues that the FMCSA failed to consider any costs on shippers, receivers or transportation intermediaries when evaluating changes to the rule. The coalition group also opposed a challenge lodged by Public Citizen and defended the FMCSA’s decision to maintain the 14-hour driving window and the 11-hour daily driving provision.

The groups stressed that the hours of service rules currently in place have served the public well and have created a regulatory framework for shippers and motor carriers which has improved safety over the past decade.